60 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Positive Affirmations for Anxiety

PO
Overseen ByPaula O'Neill, MS, RN, HNB-BC, MEDSURG-BC
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Hackensack Meridian Health
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how guided imagery and positive affirmations can reduce anxiety in people undergoing total knee or hip replacement surgery. Participants will listen to a special recording daily for a few days before their surgery and on the morning of the procedure. The goal is to determine if these techniques can lessen pre-surgery anxiety. Individuals scheduled for knee or hip replacement, who can speak and read English, and have access to a smartphone or computer might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to investigate innovative anxiety-reduction techniques before surgery.

What prior data suggests that guided imagery and positive affirmations are safe for patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery?

Research has shown that guided imagery and positive affirmations are generally safe and easy to use. Many studies indicate that these techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. For instance, one study found that guided imagery helps people relax and manage stress. Another study showed that just 13 minutes a day of guided imagery can lower anxiety levels.

While most people find these methods helpful, some might experience temporary discomfort or strong emotions if the imagery is upsetting. However, serious side effects are rare. Overall, guided imagery and affirmations appear to be a safe option for those looking to manage anxiety, especially before surgery.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the use of guided imagery and positive affirmations for anxiety because this approach is non-invasive and focuses on mental techniques rather than medication. Unlike standard treatments for anxiety, like medication or cognitive behavioral therapy, this method uses the power of the mind to create a calming effect. The treatment is designed to be quick, taking just about 23 minutes daily, and can be easily incorporated into a patient's routine right before surgery, potentially reducing pre-surgery anxiety in a natural and holistic way.

What evidence suggests that guided imagery and positive affirmations might be an effective treatment for anxiety?

Research has shown that guided imagery can greatly reduce anxiety. One study found that people who used guided imagery felt noticeably less anxious. Another study showed it helped lower stress by allowing the mind and body to relax. Positive affirmations, which are uplifting statements that counter negative thoughts, also reduce anxiety by promoting a positive mindset. In this trial, participants will experience both guided imagery and positive affirmations, which together aim to break negative thought patterns, leading to less anxiety and stress.24678

Who Is on the Research Team?

PO

Paula O'Neill, MS, RN, HNB-BC, MEDSURG-BC

Principal Investigator

Hackensack Meridian Health

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people scheduled to have total knee or hip replacement surgery. Participants should be able to attend a pre-surgery education class and follow instructions for listening to recordings before their operation.

Inclusion Criteria

Have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer
Speak and read English
I am 18 years old or older.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Does not have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer
Does not speak and read English
I am under 18 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week
1 visit (in-person)

Preoperative Preparation

Participants listen to guided imagery and positive affirmations once/day for three days prior to surgery

3 days
No visits required

Day of Surgery

Participants listen to positive affirmations in the preop area and complete an anxiety scale before entering the operating room

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for anxiety levels using the Visual Facial Anxiety Scale

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Guided imagery and positive affirmations

Trial Overview

The study tests whether listening to guided imagery and positive affirmations before joint replacement surgery can help reduce anxiety. Patients listen daily for three days before surgery, plus once more on the morning of their procedure.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Guided imagery and positive affirmationsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Hackensack Meridian Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials
141
Recruited
42,900+

Citations

How Guided Imagery Can Help Reduce Anxiety

Numerous studies confirm that guided imagery can lead to substantial reductions in anxiety and stress. For instance, a 2017 study revealed that ...

(PDF) Guided Imagery

What are the most recent findings on the effectiveness of guided imagery for stress, anxiety,. depression, and/or hypertension? 2. What are the ...

The Effectiveness of Guided Imagery in Treating ...

The participants who used guided imagery during breaks over the four-week period achieved significant reductions in anxiety and significant ...

(PDF) Comparing the Effectiveness of Guided

The findings of the study revealed that both guided imagery and Lazarus multimodal therapy demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating COVID-19 anxiety ...

Guided Imagery to Combat Anxiety and Promote Healing

Studies have shown guided imagery can help the mind and body relax. It has also been shown to help manage anxiety, stress and depression, ...

Effect of audio-recorded guided imagery on psychological ...

hypnosis, relaxation, guided imagery, and empathic communication can improve anxiety, pain, and hemodynamic stability during procedures,

Guided Imagery Relaxation Techniques

Guided imagery is generally safe. However, some individuals might experience temporary discomfort or heightened emotions if they visualize distressing images.

Guided Imagery and Creative Visualization for Anxiety

This seven-minute video discusses the use of guided meditation, creative visualization, and guided imagery to help relieve anxiety.